Preparation

PREPARATION

Correct preparation before painting is key to achieving a great finish.

FILLING

1. Choose a filler designed for the surface you’re painting. 2. Apply a layer of filler over the area ensuring to completely cover any holes, cracks or patches. 3. Spread the filler across the area in multiple directions then a single downward stroke to remove any excess product. 4. Once dry, use a fine sandpaper to give it a light sand for a smooth, consistent surface.

5. Wipe down to remove sanding dust from surface.

CLEANING

6. Take down any curtains, mirrors and pictures, move furniture out of the room and cover larger items with drop cloths. 7. Brush or vacuum up any dust and thoroughly wash the surface with sugar soap to remove grease and dirt.

MASKING

8. Use a good quality masking tape along any edges you don’t want to paint. 9. Push the edges of the tape down firmly to ensure straight edges. Remove the masking tape at a 45° angle before the paint dries completely. 24

HOW TO USE A PAINT BRUSH

HOW TO USE A PAINT BRUSH

1. Before use, flick the bristles back and forth to remove dust. 2. Moisten the brush in water if you are about to use a water based paint, or turps if you are about to use an oil based paint. Remove any excess liquid. 3. Fill the brush by dipping in up to half the length of the bristles. 4. Tap it gently against the side of the can. Don’t wipe the brush hard against the lip. 5. Start at the top and work down, painting with light even strokes, working back into the wet edge. 6. If you are painting a large area by brush, apply paint to an area about 50cm X 50cm, then brush the paint in horizontal strokes to even the paint out and finish off with light vertical strokes all in one direction.

HOW TO USE A PAINT ROLLER

HOW TO USE A PAINT ROLLER

1. De-fuzz new roller sleeves prior to use by washing them in water. 2. Fit the roller to the frame.

3. Pour paint into the reservoir at the end of the roller tray. 4. Dip the roller lightly into the paint, then roll it backwards and forwards on the ramp of the tray to evenly distribute the paint on the roller cover. 5. Begin by working in sections, rolling in a large W pattern at first, then filling in the blanks of your W pattern with some extra zigzagging strokes. Start by working from one side of the wall to the other, never start in the middle of your wall. 6. Level the finish by laying-off with long, parallel strokes before the paint has commenced drying. 7. Wrap the roller and tray in foil when you take a short break, and make sure to clean it completely after use.

HOW TO PAINT CEILINGS

HOW TO PAINT CEILINGS

1. Follow the preparation guide on blade 24. 2. Clear your area and lay down a drop sheet. 3. Tape around cornices, edges and any down lights. 4. Begin by cutting-in where the roller won’t reach with a brush. 5. Using a roller and extension pole apply the paint with elbows below your shoulders and from left to right (never from front to back), in a W shape. 6. Paint in sections, to keep your finish even. When you’re done with a section, give it a light roll from left to right to make sure the paint settles evenly. 7. If your ceiling requires two coats, simply wait 2 hours for your first coat to dry then repeat steps 4-6. 8. Clean up using responsible paint disposal methods (blade 24) and enjoy your handy work. Well done!

HOW TO PAINTS DOORS

HOW TO PAINT DOORS

1. Follow the preparation guide on blade 24. 2. Remove the door from its hinge and lay it on a flat surface. Remove all the hardware from the door or tape it off with painter’s tape. 3. Cut in the edges with an even finish. 4. Roll or brush on the inside of the door, with smooth vertical strokes. 5. Once a section is applied, using a 75mm brush, lightly stroke down the door to create a smoothed finish. Don’t brush it too much – a few strokes should be enough to smooth the surface. 6. Allow to dry and lightly sand any imperfections, then repeat steps 3-5. 7. Clean up using responsible paint disposal methods (blade 24) and enjoy your handy work. Well done! *Tip: For moulded doors, always paint the inner recess and moulding first, then move to the outside to finish.